Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020–21

1 Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 21 Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 21 Commonwealth of Australia 2021 With the exception of the Coat of Arms and where otherwise stated, all material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution International licence: means this license only applies to material as set out in this details of the relevant license conditions are available on the Creative Commons website as is the full legal code for the CC BY license: of the Coat of ArmsThe terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website: Modern Slavery Statement 2020 213 DedicationThe Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 21 is dedicated to the people and organisations who work tirelessly to prevent Modern Slavery , and support victims and survivors of Modern Slavery seeking to rebuild their of CountryThe Australian Government acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water and community.

2 We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister of AustraliaSlavery is a rejection of human the human dignity in all people is not only the foundation of morality, but it is also foundational in understanding our shared a liberal democracy we believe in the dignity of all people, and the right of all to make free choices for their was pleased to release Australia s first Modern Slavery Statement and this marks Australia s ongoing commitment to combating Modern , the need is greater than it was three years ago. Over 25 million people are estimated to be exploited in global supply chains and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities faced by already at-risk commitment is backed by legislative action.

3 The Modern Slavery Act 2018 and the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25 (National Action Plan) are two key mechanisms through which Australia is addressing Modern Slavery risks and practices faced by the community, businesses, and we have a robust framework to respond to Modern Slavery practices, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling these abhorrent crimes am proud to release this second Modern Slavery Statement on behalf of Australia. This Statement showcases the Government s recent actions to combat Modern Slavery in our global supply chains and Statement showcases initiatives we have undertaken in partnership with experts at home and abroad to increase the Government s visibility and understanding of its Modern Slavery risks.

4 Having greater knowledge of where our risks lie, positions us well to take targeted and meaningful is pivotal to our response. We will continue to draw on the expertise and leverage the skills of partners to ensure our approach is robust, and effective. We will also continue to work with other Governments to ensure our efforts to combat Modern Slavery extend across the I reflect on the work we have done to date, I am immensely proud of our accomplishments, though there is still much to do. The launch of the new National Action Plan was a significant step forward in shaping our response. It is the cornerstone that will guide our s commitment on Modern Slavery is a reflection of our values and our belief in the human dignity of all people.

5 I commend the Commonwealth s 2020-2021 Modern Slavery Statement to Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia October 2021 Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 2145 ForewordAssistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural AffairsModern Slavery is deeply embedded in our global economy. It disrupts supply chains, undercuts responsible local businesses, and has devastating physical, mental and emotional consequences for its individual victims. The International Labour Organization estimates that over 40 million victims live and work in conditions of Modern Slavery around the world. Australia is not immune from Modern Slavery and other human rights abuses on our soil and through the global supply chains we use, with many of the goods and services that we use each day tainted by this abhorrent practice through their supply chains.

6 As Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, I am responsible for leading the Australian Government s domestic response to Modern Slavery . Though we have made strong progress, combating these practices requires sustained commitment to action and collaboration well into the Australian Government is one of the largest procurers of goods and services operating in the Australian market. With this significant purchasing power comes great responsibility. I acknowledge the trust that the Australian public places in the Government to ensure that the money the public sector spends does not inadvertently support Modern Slavery practices.

7 The Government has taken strong and decisive action to combat Modern Slavery in its global supply chains and operations, committing itself to publishing annual Modern Slavery statements on behalf of the Government under the landmark Modern Slavery Act is my pleasure to submit this second Modern Slavery Statement on behalf of the Commonwealth Government of Australia under section 15 of the Modern Slavery Act 2018, for the 2020-21 reporting period. This Statement further demonstrates the Government s commitment to leading by example and its continued support for the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in responding to Modern Slavery in the Government s global supply chains and year s Commonwealth Statement is underpinned by a theme of collaboration.

8 The Government recognises the benefits of multi-stakeholder initiatives to combat Modern Slavery and has prioritised partnering with industry specialists to leverage sector-specific and on the ground expertise. Strong collaboration can lead to a better understanding of Modern Slavery issues and how to address them in practice, greater insight into operations and supply chains, and practical recommendations based on sound evidence for future action. This Commonwealth Statement highlights the Government s commitment to working in close consultation with industry, civil society and across government to address Modern Slavery in the Commonwealth s global supply chains and work to strengthen Australia s response to Modern Slavery in Commonwealth global supply chains and operations complements a range of other initiatives Australia is taking to combat Modern Slavery domestically and overseas.

9 We are progressing implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25, which includes commitments to a strong program of initiatives to combat Modern Slavery and human trafficking crimes over the next five years. Australia also continues to bolster efforts to assist partner countries in the region to tackle Modern Slavery head is my honour to present this Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement for 2020-21. I am pleased to showcase the continued efforts of the Government to increase transparency in its global supply chains and operations and take targeted actions to address its Modern Slavery Hon Jason Wood MP Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs December 2021 Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 2167 Contents Page 10 Executive Summary Page 11 Mandatory Criteria 1 & 2: Covered entities, structure, operations and supply chains Page 16 Mandatory Criterion 3.

10 RisksHigh-risk Modern Slavery areas of focus Page 17 Risks in the Government s operations Page 18 Risks in the Government s supply chains Page 20 COVID-19 impacts and considerations Page 22 Page 24 Mandatory Criterion 4: ActionsGovernment actions to address Modern Slavery risks Page 25 Targeting key risk areas Page 25 Overarching actions Page 29 Agency Snapshots Page 31 Looking ahead to assessing and addressing Modern Slavery risks Page 34 Page 35 Mandatory Criterion 5: EffectivenessAssessing the effectiveness of Government s actions Page 36 Performance Review Framework Overview Page 37 Page 39 Mandatory Criterion 6: ConsultationConsulting on the Government s approach Page 40 Page 41 Mandatory Criterion 7: Related ActivitiesGovernment work to combat Modern Slavery Page 42 Key work during 2020-21 Page 43 Acronyms and abbreviations Page 44 Annexure: Modern Slavery Act Reporting Requirement Page 46 Appendix A: List of non-corporate Commonwealth entities Page 47 Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2020 2189 1 & 2 This section addresses mandatory criteria one and two of the Modern Slavery Act 2018, pursuant to sections 16(1)(a) and (b).